Tagicakibau spent much of last season on loan at the Stormers and then returned to the Exiles. But his departure from London Irish was announced on Friday and his transfer to Aviva Premiership rivals Wasps was announced a matter of hours later.

"Sailosi has proved himself at the highest level, representing Samoa in three Rugby World Cups, and has been viewed as one of the most destructive wingers in the Aviva Premiership," Wasps boss Dai Young said. "As we still have a few niggling injuries in our backline, which have been carried over from last season, when Sailosi became available I felt it was an opportunity we should take.

"I am pleased with the depth and quality we are building in our Wasps squad. Sailosi's experience will really benefit the team and his power and pace will provide another attacking threat in our backline, on top of his solid defensive game."